Agenda and minutes

An apology for absence was received from Councillor G Baxendale

To give consideration to the minutes of the meeting held on 24 September 2015

Consideration was given to the minutes of the meeting held on 24 September 2015.

RESOLVED

That the minutes of the meeting be approved as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

To provide an opportunity for Members and Officers to declare any disclosable pecuniary and non-pecuniary interests in any item on the agenda.

There were no declarations of interest

To provide an opportunity for Members to declare the existence of a party whip in relation to any item on the agenda.

There were no whipping declarations

A total period of 15 minutes is allocated for members of the public to make a statement(s) on any matter that falls within the remit of the Committee.

Individual members of the public may speak for up to 5 minutes, but the Chairman will decide how the period of time allocated for public speaking will be apportioned, where there are a number of speakers.

Note: In order for officers to undertake any background research, it would be helpful if members of the public contacted the Scrutiny officer listed at the foot of the agenda, at least one working day before the meeting to provide brief details of the matter to be covered.

There were no members of the public present wishing to speak.

Presentation and discussion around progress to date, feedback from recent visits to pilot sites and how best to take forward our approach to develop Community Hubs across Cheshire East.

Further to previous discussions and recent visits to Community Hubs, Members had requested reassurance and further information on the roll out programme, how services would be integrated, volunteers, long term sustainability, and transforming neighbourhood services in Macclesfield.

The Council had received a £90,000 grant for Delivering Differently in Neighbourhoods. The aim of the programme was to provide financial support for 12 months and expert advice to local authorities to redesign services to be delivered at neighbourhood level with the involvement of local people and organisations. DCLG believed that by delivering locally and involving communities in the design and delivery of services, authorities would be able to:

·         Tailor services to match local need, delivering better outcomes for local communities

·         Achieve efficiencies by eliminating wasteful activity and duplication of effort.

·         Increase community resilience and manage down demand.

The programme aimed to gather evidence of effective neighbourhood delivery models, including  case studies and cost benefit analyses, and disseminate this more widely. It was agreed that community hubs may be able to provide some of the services being withdrawn by the Housing Associations.

Following Members recent visits, R Christopherson and D Clark  attended the meeting to discuss the ongoing work at Longridge Welcome Centre in Knutsford and Barnies Social Centre in Crewe.  The Community Hub networks for the various pilot schemes were outlined to members, which highlighted the different needs for different areas.

Members suggested that one of the best ways to make residents aware of the services and opportunities available was through social media, it was agreed that this should be developed further.

In October 2015 the franchise model had been awarded to Barnies in Crewe and the Welcome in Knutsford.  It was noted these organisations were responsible for safeguarding. However the authority would provide support through training, raising awareness and a detailed  information pack.

RESOLVED

That further information on the roll out programme be received at a future meeting.

To give consideration to the work programme

Consideration was given to the work programme. It was agreed with the Portfolio Holder for Communities that Members needed to be involved in policy development at the early stages of development rather than reports being brought to the Committee for signing off.

It was agreed that Members would receive a training session on gypsy and travellers at the informal meeting scheduled to be held on 18 February 2016.

RESOLVED

1.    That Members be involved in policy development at the early stages of development.

2.    That Members receive a training session on gypsy and travellers at the informal meeting scheduled to be held 18 February 2016.